Chamber of Commerce members are 'for hire'

In the past four years, Aaron Nelson has worked as a short-order cook, a shoe salesman and a garbage collector — but only for a day.

On Thursday, Nelson — president and CEO of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce — spent the day at the Carrboro ArtsCenter as part of the Chamber for Hire program.

Nelson sold tickets, answered questions and helped with the fundraising and business aspect of the center.

He said he learns a lot about the chamber members — totalling more than 1,000 — by working with them for a day.

Since the program started, he has worked with 40 members.

“A day in the life helps us to be able to form programming and services to help them better,” he said.

Julie Tomkovick, development director at the ArtsCenter, said Nelson’s schedule Thursday reflected daily activities there.

She said he helped them find new ways to reach out to local businesses and residents, including through fundraising and advertising.

“We recently revamped the entire sponsorship program at the ArtsCenter, and we wanted to pick Aaron’s brains and make sure we’re on the right track with what we’re doing,” she said.

Tomkovick said ArtsCenter staff enjoyed having Nelson there for the day.

“I think this program helps chamber members feel valued and like our ideas are important,” she said. “This is them walking the walk and showing us that non-profits are also important to them.”

Kristen Smith, director of public policy and member engagement at the chamber, said the “For Hire” program has been a success.

“It also helps to strengthen the relationship between the chamber and the members,” Smith said.

To satisfy growing interest in the program, chamber leaders are trying to have staff members work for two chamber members each month. The chamber also expanded the “For Hire” program this year so other chamber staff can be hired.

But Nelson’s work for the ArtsCenter doesn’t end here. Nelson will give an on-stage performance in September.

“I agreed to participate in The Monti, which is a story-telling contest where I have to come up with a 12-minute story and the judges pick a winner,” Nelson said.

Contact the desk editor at city@dailytarheel.com.